ACUNOR – Mapping of Hymenoptera, Aculeata in Norway
Hymenoptera, Aculeata include several insect groups which play crucial roles in ecosystem functioning, and many species are declining. The aims of this project is to increase basic knowledge both concerning the species richness in Norway and its distribution.
Wasps within the group Aculeata include well known conspicuous insects like hornets (Vespidae), ants (Formicidae), bees and bumble bees (e.g. Apidae), and species rich, less known groups like ruby-tail wasps (Chrysididae), spider wasps (Pompilidae) and digger wasps (e.g. Crabronidae). In total, 576 different species of Aculeata are currently known from Norway, however, several species are still expected to be found in the future. Aculeata is considered as a particularly important insect group which need new knowledge. This is related to the species’ crucial importance as pollinators of flowering plants, and the growing consciousness and documentation of decline in many species.
The aim of this project is to perform a general mapping of Aculeata in selected localities in Norway. This effort includes extensive mapping in new sites and poorly investigated areas, finishing of material collected for the project INVENT-ART (founded by the Taxonomy in 2009-2012), as well as DNA-barcoding of all species of Aculeata recorded from Norway. The project is expected to give additional knowledge about new species, species ranges and taxonomy, and will be important in transfer of expertise through extensive collaboration and public outreach. The project is linked directly to ongoing mapping activities and relevant projects within biosystematics and will make up a major contribution to DNA-barcoding of Norwegian material through NorBol.
Project leader: Frode Ødegaard, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, NINA
Project period: January 2014- December 2016
Collaborators: NTNU University Museum, Museum of Evolution in Uppsala and Finnish Museum of Natural History in Helsinki